Norwegian UFO Newsletter - 1982 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Norwegian News Letter, published by NORSK INSTITUTT FOR VITENSKAPELIG FORSKNING OG OPPLYSNING (Norwegian Institute for Scientific Research and Information), is dedicated to UFO reports and investigations. The cover prominently features the title "NORWEGIAN UFO REPORTS" alongside the institute's logo and details for issue number 4 of 1982.

More About the Observations in Holtålen

The newsletter begins with a survey of recent observations investigated by NIVFO. One report details an incident on February 15, 1982, in Hessdalen, where witness Lars Lillevold described a "metallic", cigar-formed object standing close to the ground, approximately 100 meters away. He noted a "light glare" like a halo and a metallic surface, comparing its color to corrugated iron. A sketch illustrates the object's position relative to a witness and an outhouse, estimating its distance and size.

Another report from March 8, 1982, in Haltdalen, describes Rune Hågensen witnessing an oval, shining object with a shadow. The object remained still before moving south, changing direction, and disappearing northerly over a 15-minute observation period. A separate incident on the same date, March 8, 1982, in Hessdalskjølen, involved Torbjørn Dragmyrhaug observing a light that began pulsating and moved at great speed, stopping and reappearing. Accompanying images show sketches and photographs related to these reports.

Further accounts include Ingulf Rotan's observation on March 16, 1982, near Øyongen, of a glossy object descending in a spiral through cloud cover before disappearing. On March 23, 1982, Aud Rønning reported seeing an object described as "half an ellipsis" with a reddish garland near Gildset farm, Haltdalen. The object became round, radiated strongly, and turned orange-yellow before ascending rapidly. The report notes the witness's car engine temporarily stopped during the encounter.

Hessdalen - New Strange Observations

On March 25, 1982, multiple witnesses in Hessdalen, including Per and Inga Moen, Bjarne and Lars Lillevold, and Artur Gjerdsvold, reported observing an object resembling a "lamp globe" that was glossy and dim. Per Moen initially saw the object, but it disappeared when he used binoculars. Later, Bjarne and Lars Lillevold observed a light pulsating and moving at high speed over the "Odden" ridge. Subsequently, three more objects appeared and moved in formation. A photograph allegedly taken in Hessdalen by journalist Arne Wisth is included.

The Defence and the Observations in Hessdalen

This section discusses the involvement of the Norwegian air defence in investigating UFO phenomena in Hessdalen. A representative from the air defence confirmed that observations were taken seriously and that reports were classified as secret. Captain Arne Nyland and Lieutenant Peter Reymert reported seeing numerous UFOs, airplanes, and satellites. They noted that people in Hessdalen had observed shining objects since 1944, but only recently dared to report them. Captain Nyland expressed an open mind regarding the phenomena.

Major-general Eyvind Schibbye of the air force ordered investigations, stating that reliable reports of inexplicable objects were received. While he personally did not believe in UFOs, he acknowledged that natural explanations might not always be found. An example cited involved a case in Østfold where a man was seen descending by parachute without an accompanying airplane, later attributed to youths shooting up a doll.

Major Per Gavin, formerly a second-lieutenant at a radar station, recounted making at least 150 observations between 1958 and 1965, with phenomena appearing on radar and exhibiting incredible speed changes. He mentioned that fighter planes were eventually stopped from being scrambled due to the cost and the unpredictable nature of the phenomena. Gavin also shared an experience from the late fifties where a "red ball" object was investigated by a jet, which then disappeared, leaving the aircraft covered in red residue.

Hypothesis About the UFO's in Hessdalen

The newsletter presents two hypotheses regarding the Hessdalen phenomena. One, supported by Norwegian researcher Thomas McClimans, suggests that the UFOs are natural phenomena, possibly light reflections creating mirages. Another theory, proposed by Captain Kjell Bjerkan, posits that observers might be seeing lights from airliners. Both theories are opposed by NIVFO.

Last News from Hessdalen

Kolbjørn Stenødegård of NIVFO reported that for the first time, light phenomena in Hessdalen were registered on electric instruments. A shining object observed on a Saturday night strongly affected the apparatus measuring atmospheric voltage differences. On Friday evening, a similar object was seen over Finsåhøgda, described as noiseless with a bright front light and two red lights behind.

From Other Parts of the Country: A Report Survey

Several other sightings from across Norway are documented:

• Selsøyvik in Rødøy, Nordland (March 3, 1982): Shipping agent Magda Jensen observed a shining rounding that grew darker and disappeared.
• Kvinnherad (March 5, 1982): A shining disk-shaped object moved slowly over Fjelberg, Ranavik, and disappeared over Husnes.
• Hoylandsbygd, Hordaland (March 12, 1982): Youths reported a strong orange light that caused streetlights to go out. Parents watching television experienced picture disruptions and "snow" on the screen.
• Brattås, Møsvatn, Telemark (February 7, 1982): Trygve Gøytil observed a shining ball radiating beams, which shone brighter before disappearing. He took three pictures.
• Strandfjorden, Valdres (April 21, 1982): Frank Bing saw a shining object over Veståsen, which increased speed remarkably.
• UFO Over Gråkallen (July 9, 1982): Several places in Trondheim observed a shining object described as a "bright castle" that moved north-easterly.
• UFO in Krødsherad (August 23, 1982): Bergljot Berg and Egil Fjellheim witnessed a great, round, shining object descend from the clouds, followed by a black cloud of smoke.
• UFO Visit or Stroke of Lightning? (Andøya): A large bog flake was found meters from its original location, puzzling experts. Theories included lightning or a gas blow-out, but some suggested an UFO.
• UFO Over Kattanak (August 16, 1982): Tor Andre Johannesen observed a shining disk flying low.
• Unique Norwegian UFO Photo: A color photo from Mo i Rana showed an object with a distinct copper color, a round dark spot, and a possible "opening".

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the persistent occurrence of unexplained aerial phenomena in Norway, particularly in the Hessdalen region. The newsletter presents a range of witness accounts, from detailed descriptions of object shapes, colors, and behaviors to photographic and instrumental evidence. It highlights the serious attention given to these reports by both scientific bodies like NIVFO and military organizations, including the air defence. While natural explanations are considered, the sheer volume and unusual characteristics of the sightings suggest that the phenomena are not easily dismissed. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, documenting these events thoroughly and exploring potential explanations without outright dismissal of the possibility of unidentified aerial objects.

This document is a letter to the Norwegian public, dated June 11, 1982, written by H.C. Petersen, formerly a major. It serves as a response to an article by Jan S. Krogh published in "Nordlandsposten" on June 23, 1982, titled "What is really an UFO?"

Critique of Jan S. Krogh's Article

H.C. Petersen begins by stating his intention to draw attention to the fact that Mr. Krogh's article is misleading the Norwegian public. Petersen attributes this not necessarily to evil intent, but to Krogh's simple lack of concrete knowledge about the subject. Petersen views Krogh's contribution as an insult to honest UFO investigators, criticizing his sarcastic and cheap statements, which he believes reflect poorly on any organization Krogh leads that includes "scientific" in its name.

Petersen provides several examples to illustrate Krogh's alleged lack of professional knowledge:

1. Memoranda and Secret Reports: Petersen criticizes Krogh's dismissive remark about "The blue memorandum" and "The green memorandum." He claims these documents contain top-secret reports from the American Defense, indicating that space ships from other worlds are a reality, and detailing efforts within the United Nations to solve the UFO problem. Petersen states that they are currently corresponding about negotiations with the American National Security Council, whose chairman is President Ronald Reagan. He also mentions talking with US Army General Robert L. Schweitzer on April 13, 1982, and with the Norwegian Ambassador, Ole Ålgård, in March 1978, regarding these matters. Krogh's quote, "These writings are probably nonsense from beginning to end --", is deemed by Petersen as "fantastic arrogance."

2. Erik von Däniken: Petersen argues that Erik von Däniken has no relevance to the UFO case. He describes von Däniken as a "pop writer without scruple" whose sole aim is to earn money by mixing "all things between earth and heaven." Petersen suggests that Krogh would have known this if he were familiar with the UFO case, making it "ill-timed" to bring von Däniken into an objective debate.

3. Definition of UFO: Petersen disagrees with answering "don't know" to the question "what is an UFO." He contends that the term "Unidentified Flying Objects" is deliberately used to help those who oppose the truth about space ship visits explain away clear observations. He argues that when opponents of truthful information are forced to explain the inexplicable, they resort to "silly and banal away explanations," which often are "ill-natured" and mislead the public. Petersen emphasizes that without sober and objective information, people cannot think independently and are easily influenced.

4. J. Allen Hynek: Petersen finds it "very unfortunate" that Krogh recommends books by J. Allen Hynek. He claims Hynek works for "The American Intelligent Service, CIA, and other powers of silence," whose goal is to keep the truth about UFOs away from the public. Petersen believes Krogh's conclusions align with this agenda, leading away from the truth.

5. Sectarian UFO Groups: Krogh is quoted as ridiculing UFO groups, suggesting people are waiting for landings when they believe landings have already occurred. Petersen agrees that sectarian UFO groups can cause mischief for serious UFO work. However, he argues that this does not invalidate the general UFO case. He questions why Krogh doesn't refer to serious working UFO groups, some of which are in Norway. Petersen asserts that even if sectarian groups exist, the UFO case should not be ridiculed, and individuals proving UFO landings do not automatically become sectarian.

Evidence of UFO Landings and Government Cover-up

Petersen asserts that if Krogh understood that space ships have been coming for many years, he should have thoroughly studied the matter before publishing his article. Petersen then elaborates on the evidence:

• Attacks on UFOs: He refers to previously mentioned memoranda detailing attacks from American destroyers on UFOs. He states that several attacking planes have been destroyed because they assaulted technology too strong for them. This has occurred in both the West and the East.
• Eyewitness Reports: Petersen claims there are reports from superior officers, who spoke out after being pensioned, that they have seen space ships from other worlds land or crash. He states there are "more than 20 such reports from USA alone."
• Nature of Sightings: He assures Krogh that these are not misidentifications like "plastic-bags, ball lightnings, reflections, meteors, inversion phenomena," which pilots have reported. Instead, these are confirmed space ships from unknown worlds.
• Motive for Secrecy: Petersen posits that these space ships, on peaceful, scientific missions, have been attacked by "big-power flights." He believes the reason for this secrecy and aggression is that if humanity became aware of the truth about these visits, their technology, and culture, it would end the reign of the powers currently ruling Earth. These powers, he claims, are leading civilization towards catastrophe, and he urges people to stop this "earthly insanity."

Conclusion

Petersen concludes by stating that if Mr. Krogh knew the truth as they do, he would have expressed himself more carefully or remained silent. He reiterates that "Keeping silent is definitely better than misleading, on purpose or not."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The letter strongly advocates for the reality of UFOs and space ship visits to Earth. It presents a narrative of government and intelligence agencies actively suppressing this truth from the public. The editorial stance is one of urgency and concern, portraying the cover-up as detrimental to independent human thought and potentially leading to global catastrophe. There is a clear distrust of official explanations and a belief in a hidden reality concerning extraterrestrial contact. The article champions the work of "serious working UFO groups" while criticizing those who dismiss or ridicule the phenomenon, particularly when they lack full understanding or are perceived as agents of misinformation.